FOOD + DRINK
THE 2025
Edible BUCKET LIST
A TIME TO CELEBRATE , ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD AND USHER IN CHANGE THROUGH NEW YEAR ’ S RESOLUTIONS , THERE ’ S NEVER A BETTER TIME THAN NOW TO ACHIEVE ALL THREE BY EXPLORING insideKENT ’ S VERY OWN 2025 EDIBLE BUCKET LIST .
Home to 50 vineyards , over 200,000 hectares of farmland and boundless open stretches of coastline , it ’ s no wonder that Kent has become a hotspot for dining experiences , with fresh and local ingredients on our doorsteps across the entire county . A vital location for international trading routes , those who venture out across Kent will find that quintessential British cuisine is being fused with flavours from around the world , building an exciting catalogue of innovative , modern and inspired dishes to try .
Exploring new openings , quirky eateries , fantastic fine dining and the best places to meet with family and friends , here ’ s our must-visit places to dine and drink across Kent this new year .
HOTTEST NEW OPENING : The Ivy Canterbury Brasserie , Canterbury
Standout dish : Eggs royale with The Ivy 1917 cured smoked salmon
With a stylish bar , inviting outdoor terrace and elegant private dining room in the heart of Canterbury ’ s historic city centre , The Ivy Canterbury Brasserie officially opened in October of last year . With menus featuring modern British cuisine , brasserie classics and a mix of vegan and vegetarian options , there is something for everyone to enjoy at The Ivy , whether you ’ re planning a midweek afternoon tea or Sunday steak supper with the family .
This new year , The Ivy ’ s weekend brunch menu showcases a variety of sweet and savoury dishes to indulge in , from eggs royale with smoked salmon to buttermilk pancakes with red berry sauce , each paired with a refreshing smoothie or a seasonal cocktail . Best of all is their brand-new Sunday roast , with yorkshire puddings , rosemary roast potatoes , dry-aged English steak , vegetables and red wine gravy . Available every Sunday from 11am - 5pm , there ’ s no better way to celebrate the new year than with a quintessential comfort meal in one of Kent ’ s most exciting new restaurants .
ivycollection . com
MOST STUNNING LOCATION : The Conservatory Restaurant at Updown Farmhouse , Deal
Standout dish : Brodetto with brill , cod , mussels and prawns
Set within a beautiful 17th-century former farmstead just outside of Deal , The Conservatory Restaurant allows guests to dine under grapevines , watching chefs tend to the wood-fired grill and original farmhouse bread oven in the open kitchen . The Conservatory Restaurant ’ s menus are small and hyper-seasonal , changing regularly and using the best of local European produce . With monthly menus , set Sunday roasts , breakfast dishes and steak nights , guests can choose from an array of starters , mains , desserts and meals to share .
The restaurant ’ s wine list offers a glass of indulgence with every dish , featuring a mix of winemakers that the team at Updown have championed for years alongside newer finds from smaller producers . Drawing heavily on the Italian aperitivo tradition , their cocktails are predominantly based on bitters and vermouths that pair well with their delicious desserts such as vanilla panna cotta with poached rhubarb and ginger pudding with custard . Overlooking the glorious Kentish countryside with a kitchen garden for guests to explore , Updown Farmhouse boasts one of the most charming backdrops for fine dining in the county .
updownfarmhouse . com
MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY : Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium , Whitstable
Standout dish : Glacier with strawberries , brownie and biscoff crumbs
Situated on Whitstable ’ s bustling high street , Bears Ice Cream offers creative soft-serve treats , artisanally churned scoop flavours and ice cream cake slices in the UK ’ s most original ice cream parlour . With every recipe
THACKERAYS www . insidekent . co . uk • 69